Assistant Professor and
State Extension Vegetable Specialist
Vegetable Production Systems
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Oklahoma State University
Description:
The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications for a full-time, eleven-month, tenure-track faculty position as Assistant Professor and State Extension Vegetable Specialist in vegetable production systems. This position carries an appointment of 75% Extension and 25% research. The successful candidate is expected to establish an integrated Extension and applied research program addressing vegetable production across diverse production systems including commercial-scale production, small-acreage farming, market gardening, and community food systems. Program areas may include crop and cultivar selection, irrigation and fertility management, management of abiotic and biotic stresses, cover crops, and other emerging needs identified in collaboration with Oklahoma growers and industry stakeholders. Review of applications will begin on January 11, 2027 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date will be on/after May 1, 2026.
For more information about the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, please visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/hla/index.html.
Oklahoma State University is a land-grant institution committed to excellence in diversity and inclusion. We strive to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment that appreciates and values all members of the university community. More information concerning the OSU Office of Institutional Diversity can be found at: https://diversity.okstate.edu.
Oklahoma State University strives to become the nation’s preeminent land-grant university. More information about the OSU Strategic Plan can be found at https://strategy.okstate.edu.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will work cooperatively with Extension educators, area and state specialists, growers, producers, farmers’ market organizations, and industry stakeholders to identify priority needs and develop, implement, and evaluate research-based Extension programs. The candidate will assess and continually improve the reach, effectiveness, and impact of these programs. The candidate will conduct applied research to evaluate and improve vegetable production practices and systems that are sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible. The candidate will develop a high-impact, externally supported Extension and applied research program with statewide relevance and the potential for regional and national recognition. The candidate will disseminate program and research findings through peer-reviewed journal articles, Extension publications, grower handbooks, trade or industry publications, presentations, demonstrations, and other appropriate communication channels. Extension information will be shared through in-person programs, publications, field demonstrations, digital media, and other appropriate platforms. The candidate will participate actively in relevant professional societies and conferences and contribute to the broader professional community through collaboration and knowledge exchange. The candidate will develop and maintain effective grower and stakeholder relationships and travel throughout Oklahoma to conduct site visits, engage with growers and industry partners, provide research-based support and recommendations, and identify emerging needs and opportunities. Success in this position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build collaborative partnerships and establish trust with Extension colleagues, growers, producers, and other industry stakeholders. The candidate will conduct Extension programming and applied field research at one or more locations. Potential locations include the OSU Student Farm and The Botanic Garden at OSU in Stillwater, the OSU Cimarron Valley Research Station in Perkins, the OSU Mingo Valley Research Station in Bixby, and cooperating farms throughout Oklahoma.
The candidate will recruit and mentor graduate students and serve as a major advisor and chair of graduate advisory committees in the Horticulture M.S. program and, as appropriate, the Crop Science, Food Science, or Environmental Science interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs. The candidate will contribute to graduate education through service on graduate advisory committees, work cooperatively with OSU faculty and staff, and serve as a member of the OSU vegetable crop production systems team. The candidate will provide appropriate service to the department, division, university, and profession; participate in relevant professional development activities; and complete required university, division, and departmental training.
Qualifications:
Required qualifications:
An earned Ph.D. in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, with academic preparation or experience relevant to vegetable crop production. All degree requirements must be completed by the position start date. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with professional and public audiences, travel throughout Oklahoma, and conduct Extension programming and applied field research.
Preferred qualifications:
Preferred qualifications include experience in Extension programming, applied research, or commercial production involving vegetable crops; evidence of scholarly and Extension productivity; experience developing competitive grant proposals or serving as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on externally funded projects; experience assessing stakeholder needs and evaluating Extension program outcomes; demonstrated ability to communicate through in-person, written, digital, and multimedia formats; evidence of effective collaboration, leadership, and interpersonal skills; and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and contribute effectively as a team member.
Salary:
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Procedures:
Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu
Applicants should submit: 1) a detailed letter of interest and fit for the position, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) names and contact information for three professional references. All application materials should be submitted through the Oklahoma State University jobs website at: https://jobs.okstate.edu. Review of applications will begin after January 11, 2027, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries concerning this position may be sent to the position search and screening committee chair, Dr. Mike Schnelle, at mike.schnelle@okstate.edu.
To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.
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